Panera Bread Company today reported that systemwide comparable bakery-cafe sales increased 6.6 percent for the four weeks ended January 26, 2002. The breakdown between company-owned and franchised bakery-cafes is as follows:

For the four weeks ended January 26, 2002: company-owned restaurants, 7.3 percent; franchised restaurants, 6.2 percent; total system, 6.6 percent.

Average systemwide weekly sales (excluding the three specialty bakery- cafes and closed locations) increased 12.7 percent to $32,166 for the four weeks ended January 26, 2002, compared to $28,529 for the four weeks ended January 27, 2001.

The company says it will release its fourth quarter earnings on March 7, 2002.

Panera Bread Company owns and franchises bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread and Saint Louis Bread Co. names.